If you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may decide to take legal action to seek compensation for your damages. However, it’s important to understand that recovering compensation isn’t easy as the other party will likely dispute their liability. As such, you will need to collect as much evidence as possible to show their careless actions caused your injuries. Please continue reading to learn why this is critical and why connecting with a dedicated New York City Personal Injury Attorney is in your best interest.
Why is Gathering Evidence Important for My Personal Injury Claim?
Many people are unaware of how complex a personal injury case can be in New York. Unfortunately, it’s not always cut and dry, especially when liability is disputed. As such, it can be incredibly difficult to recover compensation for endured damages. This is because most defendants will deny that they were responsible to avoid the consequences. It’s important to do everything possible to demonstrate that you were not negligent to protect your right to compensation.
In addition, it can be challenging to satisfy the burden of proof. The injured party is responsible for providing convincing evidence that proves the defendant caused their damages. Without this evidence, the injured party cannot hold the defendant financially accountable. Therefore, it’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible to fulfill the burden of proof and achieve a favorable outcome.
What Evidence Should I Collect After an Accident?
Following an accident, you should contact emergency services. Not only will this ensure you receive the proper medical treatment for any injuries endured, but it will also record the accident, enabling the police to investigate the cause of the incident. It’s important to note that reporting the accident is also required under the law when an injury or death occurs. A police report is a key piece of evidence that can provide crucial details that can help determine fault and assess damages. If you delay or refuse medical care, the defendant may claim that you contributed to the severity of your damages, which could minimize your award. Therefore, you should keep track of your medical records and expenses.
If circumstances permit, it’s beneficial to take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, property damage, and any other factors that could have contributed to the cause of the accident. If any witnesses observed the accident, you should collect their contact infromation as they may be able to corroborate your version of the events down the road.
As you can see, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights after an accident. Connecting with an experienced New York City personal injury attorney is vital. At Swerling Law, we are prepared to guide you through each phase of the complex claims process. Don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated legal team today to discuss your legal options.
